The Taft Giants got their first win in the Little League Tournament of Champions Thursday night when they blew past the Buttonwillow Braves 25-4 on Field No.1 at the George Blanco Complex in Taft.

Taft didn't waste any time scoring after putting up five runs in the top half of the first inning. Maino Maino led the charge with a two run single while Ethan Roberts had a run scoring double.

Buttonwillow got one of the runs back in the bottom of the first inning thanks to an infield single, three walks and a pair of wild pitches.

After scoring three runs in the second and third innings, the Giants blew the game open in the fourth inning when they put up eight runs while sending 13 batters to the plate. During that period of time, Taft only had four hits including Ethan Simmermaker's two run single.

Taft was not through.

An inning later the Giants struck again with six runs while sending 11 batters to the plate. This time around Taft had six hits including Blake Johnson's triple and run scoring single.

Buttonwillow came alive again in the bottom of the fifth inning by scoring three runs on only one hit.

Taft hits the road tonight to face Arvin in Arvin. The Giants follow up with a game against Wasco in Wasco. The games are 7:30 and 5 p.m. respectively.

To read the full story on how Taft did over the three day stretch, pick up Tuesday's paper.